Fluid-Filled Chamber With Stitched Tensile Member

ABSTRACT

A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to fluid-filled chambers for usein the sole structure of an article of footwear.

Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements,an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for thefoot that comfortably receives and securely positions the foot withrespect to the sole structure. The sole structure is secured to a lowerportion of the upper and is generally positioned between the foot andthe ground. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces (that is,providing cushioning) during walking, running, and other ambulatoryactivities, the sole structure may influence foot motions (for example,by resisting pronation), impart stability, and provide traction, forexample. Accordingly, the upper and the sole structure operatecooperatively to provide a comfortable structure that is suited for awide variety of athletic activities.

The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (forexample, textiles, polymer sheets, foam layers, leather, syntheticleather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to define avoid on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securelyreceiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure thatextends over instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateralsides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper mayalso incorporate a lacing system to adjust fit of the footwear, as wellas permit entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper.In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under thelacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, andthe upper may incorporate a heel counter.

The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers: a sockliner,a midsole, and a ground-engaging outer member. The sockliner is a thin,compressible member located within the upper and adjacent to a plantar(that is, lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort. Themidsole is secured to a lower surface of the upper and forms a middlelayer of the sole structure. Many midsole configurations are primarilyformed from a resilient polymer foam material, such as polyurethane (PU)or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), that extends throughout the length andwidth of the footwear. The midsole may also incorporate plates,moderators, and/or other elements that further attenuate forces,influence the motions of the foot, and/or impart stability, for example.The ground-engaging outer member may be fashioned from a durable andwear-resistant material (for example, rubber) that includes texturing toimprove traction.

Further, the sole structure may include fluid-filled chambers to providecushioning and stability. Upon inflation, such chambers experiencepressure that is evenly distributed to all portions of the inner surfaceof the bladder material from which the chamber is formed. Accordingly,the tendency is for chambers, when inflated, to take on an outwardlyrounded shape. For use as cushioning members in footwear, however, it isdesirable to provide the chambers with a relatively flat form, to serveas a platform for receiving the sole of a foot of a wearer. Thus, tolimit the expansion of the top and bottom portions of the chamber uponinflation, sole structures have been developed with chambers having oneor more tensile structures that link the top portion of the chamber tothe bottom portion of the chamber in order to maintain the chambers in asubstantially planar configuration. However, such tensile members mayprovide increased stiffness to the chambers. Accordingly, there is aneed for chamber configurations that provide tensile member-equippedfluid-filled chambers with increased flexibility.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to fluid-filled chamberconfigurations having tensile members including a top sheet bonded to atop barrier layer of the chamber, a bottom sheet bonded to a bottombarrier layer of the chamber, and a plurality of tethers extendingbetween the top sheet and the bottom sheet. The outer barrier layers ofthe chamber, which retain the pressurized fluid, are bonded to the topsheet and the bottom sheet of the tensile member. The length of thetethers restricts the amount by which the outer barrier layers of thechamber may expand when the chamber is pressurized.

In order to provide the chamber with greater flexibility, portions ofthe tensile member may be stitched, thereby restricting the amount bywhich the top sheet and the bottom sheet in select portions of thetensile member separate upon pressurization of the chamber. Because thebarrier layers are bonded to the tensile member, this configuration mayform the chamber with a reduced thickness in the area in which thetensile member is stitched. Due to the reduced thickness, the area ofthe chamber having the reduced thickness may be more flexible than otherportions of the chamber. For example, the reduced thickness may form aflex groove. Such flex grooves may be selectively located at variousportions of the chamber corresponding with portions of the article offootwear sole structure that are desired to have greater flexibility,such as the ball of the foot.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a chamber forreceiving a pressurized fluid. The chamber may include a first chamberbarrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the firstchamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interiorvoid between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer. In addition, the chamber may include a tensile memberextending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer, the tensile member including a first tensile member layerbonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layerbonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethersextending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer. Further, the chamber may include stitching through thetensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurizedwith the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensilemember layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by adistance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. Inaddition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with thesecond tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region,thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thicknessrelative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a chamber forreceiving a pressurized fluid. The chamber may include a first chamberbarrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the firstchamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interiorvoid between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer. In addition, the chamber may include a tensile memberextending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer, the tensile member including a first tensile member layerbonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layerbonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethersextending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer. Further, the chamber may include stitching through thetensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurizedwith the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensilemember layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by adistance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. Inaddition, the first tensile member layer is held at a second distancefrom the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitchedregion, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reducedthickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber. Further, thestitched region includes at least two elongate lines of stitching,including a first line of stitching and a second line of stitchingarranged parallel and adjacent to the first line of stitching.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a chamber forreceiving a pressurized fluid. The chamber may include a first chamberbarrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the firstchamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interiorvoid between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer. The chamber may also include a tensile member extendingbetween the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrierlayer, the tensile member including a first tensile member layer bondedto the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bondedto the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethersextending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer. Also, the chamber may include first stitching through thetensile member in a first stitched region and second stitching throughthe tensile member in a second stitched region. When the chamber ispressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of thefirst tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile memberlayer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality oftethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held a firstdistance from the second tensile member layer by the first stitching inthe first stitched region, thereby forming a first area of the chamberhaving a first reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of thechamber. Also, the first tensile member layer is held a second distancefrom the second tensile member layer by the second stitching in thesecond stitched region, thereby forming a second area of the chamberhaving a second reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of thechamber, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method offorming a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid. The method mayinclude providing a plurality of chamber components, including a firstchamber barrier layer, a second chamber barrier layer, and a tensilemember, the tensile member having a first tensile member layer, a secondtensile member layer, and a plurality of tethers extending between thefirst tensile member and the second tensile member layer. The method mayalso include stitching through a portion of the tensile member, therebydrawing the first tensile member layer into contact with the secondtensile member layer in a stitched area, and arranging the plurality ofchamber components in a stacked arrangement. Further, the method mayinclude arranging the chamber components in a stacked arrangementinvolves locating the tensile member between the first chamber barrierlayer and the second chamber barrier layer and joining the chambercomponents to one another by applying pressure to the stackedarrangement of chamber components. The method may also include inflatingthe chamber with a pressurized fluid, the pressurized fluid expandingunstitched areas of the tensile member, applying tension to theplurality of tethers, wherein, in stitched areas of the tensile member,contact is maintained between the first tensile member layer and thesecond tensile member layer.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the currentembodiments will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skillin the art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features and advantages be included within this description and thissummary, be within the scope of the current embodiments, and beprotected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The figures are schematic representations ofcomponents of the disclosed invention. Accordingly, the components inthe figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in thefigures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of an article of footwearaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a sole structure of anarticle of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber barrier layer according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber barrier layer according toanother exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of a tensilemember according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of atensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating bonding of thermoplasticlayers to a tensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating bonding of chamber barrierlayers to a tensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating inflation of a chamberaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating bonding of thermoplasticlayers to a tensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of a tensilemember according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of atensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating bonding of chamberbarrier layers to a tensile member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating inflation of a chamberaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an assembled sole structure of anarticle of footwear according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view taken at section line 17-17 in FIG.16.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view taken at section line 18-18 in FIG.16.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view illustrating the sole structure shownin FIG. 17 in an articulated configuration.

FIG. 20 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary solestructure in an articulated configuration.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a heel region of a chamber according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken at section line 34-34 in FIG.33.

FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 illustrates a garment having an incorporated chamber accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 37 illustrates a bag having an incorporated chamber according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 38 illustrates a glove having an incorporated chamber according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 39 illustrates a protective chest pad having an incorporatedchamber according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a solestructure for an article of footwear. Concepts associated with thefootwear disclosed herein may be applied to a variety of athleticfootwear types, including running shoes, basketball shoes,cross-training shoes, cricket shoes, golf shoes, soccer shoes, baseballshoes, cycling shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, andwalking shoes, for example. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed hereinapply to a wide variety of footwear types.

For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employedthroughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustratedembodiments. The term “longitudinal,” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a lengthof a sole structure, i.e., extending from a forefoot portion to a heelportion of the sole. The term “forward” is used to refer to the generaldirection in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” isused to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in whichthe heel of the foot is facing.

The term “lateral direction,” as used throughout this detaileddescription and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side directionextending a width of a sole. In other words, the lateral direction mayextend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article offootwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being thesurface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side beingthe surface that faces toward the other foot.

The term “lateral axis,” as used throughout this detailed descriptionand in the claims, refers to an axis oriented in a lateral direction.

The term “horizontal,” as used throughout this detailed description andin the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel with theground, including the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, andall directions in between. Similarly, the term “side,” as used in thisspecification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a componentfacing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, and/or rearwarddirection, as opposed to an upward or downward direction.

The term “vertical,” as used throughout this detailed description and inthe claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both thelateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a soleis planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extendfrom the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of thesedirectional adjectives may be applied to individual components of asole. The term “upward” refers to the vertical direction heading awayfrom a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to the verticaldirection heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, the terms“top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of anobject substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction,and the terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to theportion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a verticaldirection.

For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, whenused in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the articleof footwear in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward asit would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantiallylevel surface.

In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “fixedlyattached” shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that thecomponents may not be readily separated (for example, without destroyingone or both of the components). Exemplary modalities of fixed attachmentmay include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails,staples, welding or other thermal bonding, chemical or molecularbonding, and/or other joining techniques. In addition, two componentsmay be “fixedly attached” by virtue of being integrally formed, forexample, in a molding process.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an article of footwear 100, which mayinclude a sole structure 105 and an upper 110 secured to sole structure105. As shown in FIG. 1 for reference purposes, footwear 100 may bedivided into three general regions, including a forefoot region 130, amidfoot region 135, and a heel region 140. Forefoot region 130 generallyincludes portions of footwear 100 corresponding with the toes and thejoints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 135generally includes portions of footwear 100 corresponding with an archarea of the foot. Heel region 140 generally corresponds with rearportions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Forefoot region 130,midfoot region 135, and heel region 140 are not intended to demarcateprecise areas of footwear 100. Rather, forefoot region 130, midfootregion 135, and heel region 140 are intended to represent generalrelative areas of footwear 100 to aid in the following discussion.

Since sole structure 105 and upper 110 both span substantially theentire length of footwear 100, the terms forefoot region 130, midfootregion 135, and heel region 140 apply not only to footwear 100 ingeneral, but also to sole structure 105 and upper 110, as well as theindividual elements of sole structure 105 and upper 110. Footwear 100may be formed of any suitable materials. In some configurations, thedisclosed footwear 100 may employ one or more materials disclosed inLyden et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,954, issued Jan. 20, 1998, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Upper 110 may include one or more material elements (for example,textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather), which may be stitched,adhesively bonded, molded, or otherwise formed to define an interiorvoid configured to receive a foot. The material elements may be selectedand arranged to selectively impart properties such as durability,air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. Upper 110may alternatively implement any of a variety of other configurations,materials, and/or closure mechanisms.

Sole structure 105 may have a configuration that extends between upper110 and the ground and may be secured to upper 110 in any suitablemanner. For example, sole structure 105 may be secured to upper 110 byadhesive attachment, stitching, welding, or any other suitable method.Sole structure 105 may include provisions for attenuating groundreaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot duringvertical and horizontal loading). In addition, sole structure 105 may beconfigured to provide traction, impart stability, and/or limit variousfoot motions, such as pronation, supination, and/or other motions.

The configuration of sole structure 105 may vary significantly accordingto one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 105 maybe used. For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable tofootwear configured for use on indoor surfaces and/or outdoor surfaces.The configuration of sole structure 105 may vary based on the propertiesand conditions of the surfaces on which footwear 100 is anticipated tobe used. For example, sole structure 105 may vary depending on whetherthe surface is harder or softer. In addition, sole structure 105 may betailored for use in wet or dry conditions, for example by varying thetread pattern and traction elements.

Sole structure 105 may include multiple components, which mayindividually and/or collectively provide footwear 100 with a number ofattributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability,cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, traction, and/or other attributes.As shown in FIG. 1, sole structure 105 may include a ground-contactingouter member 120. In addition, in some embodiments, sole structure 105may also include a midsole 115 disposed between outer member 120 andupper 110.

Outer member 120 may include an outer surface 125 exposed to the ground.Outer member 120 may be formed of suitable materials for achieving thedesired performance attributes. For example, outer member 120 may beformed of any suitable polymer, composite, and/or metal alloy materials.Exemplary such materials may include thermoplastic and thermosetpolyurethane, polyester, nylon, polyether block amide, alloys ofpolyurethane and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon fiber,poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide (para-aramid fibers, e.g., Kevlar®),titanium alloys, and/or aluminum alloys. In some embodiments, outermember 120 may be fashioned from a durable and wear-resistant material(for example, rubber). In some embodiments, outer member 120 may beformed of a compressible polymer foam material. Other suitablematerials, including future-developed materials, will be recognized bythose having skill in the art. Materials and configurations for outermember 120 may be selected according to the type of activity for whichfootwear 100 is configured.

In some embodiments, outer member may have a plurality of sipesextending upward and defining a plurality of sole elements. Theplurality of sipes may provide the sole structure with increasedflexibility. In some embodiments, the positions and orientations of thesipes may be selected to complement the natural motion of the footduring the running cycle. During the running cycle, as the heel leavesthe ground, the foot rolls forward, loading the forefoot and the toes.In some embodiments, lateral sipes may be provided to increaselongitudinal flexibility of the outer member of the sole structure. Insome embodiments, longitudinal sipes may provide increased flexibilityin a lateral direction. The increased flexibility in both thelongitudinal direction and the lateral direction may allow the foot toflex in a more natural manner during contact with the ground. Inaddition, the siping may be configured to control, prevent, or limitcertain foot motions. For example, in some embodiments, the siping maybe configured to control pronation and/or supination.

Upper 110 and sole structure 105 may have structures that cooperativelyflex, stretch, or otherwise move to provide an individual with asensation of natural, barefoot running. That is, upper 110 and solestructure 105 may be configured to complement the natural motion of thefoot during running or other activities. In contrast with barefootrunning, however, sole structure 105 may attenuate ground reactionforces to decrease the overall stress upon the foot.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of footwear 100. As shown in FIG. 2, outermember 120 may include a plurality of sipes 200. For example, outermember 120 may include a laterally-located longitudinal sipe 205 and amedially-located longitudinal sipe 210. In some embodiments,laterally-located longitudinal sipe 205 may extend a full length ofouter member 120, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments,medially-located longitudinal sipe 210 may extend a partial length ofouter member 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, medially-locatedlongitudinal sipe 210 may extend longitudinally in forefoot region 130of outer member 120. In some embodiments, laterally-located longitudinalsipe 205 and medially-located longitudinal sipe 210 may be substantiallyparallel to one another, as shown in FIG. 2.

Outer member 120 may include a plurality of laterally oriented sipesextending in substantially lateral directions. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, outer member 120 may include a first forefoot lateral sipe 215,a second forefoot lateral sipe 220, a third forefoot lateral sipe 225, afourth forefoot lateral sipe 230, and a fifth forefoot lateral sipe 235.In addition, outer member 120 may include a first midfoot lateral sipe240 and a second midfoot lateral sipe 245. Further, outer member 120 mayinclude a heel region lateral sipe 250.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of sipes may define a plurality ofdiscreet sole elements. Outer member 120 may include various featuresconfigured to provide traction. For example, outer surface 125 mayinclude a patterned tread, as shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments,outer member 120 may include one or more tread members associatedcorresponding with the discreet sole elements defined by the pluralityof sipes. In some embodiments, the tread members may be selectivelylocated to provide traction at select portions of outer member 120. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 2, outer member 120 may include a firstlateral tread member 255, a second lateral tread member 260, and a thirdlateral tread member 265. These tread members may provide tractionduring movements in which the lateral portion of the forefoot region offootwear 100 is substantially loaded.

As also shown in FIG. 2, outer member 120 may include a first medialtread member 270, a second medial tread member 275, and a third medialtread member 280. These tread members may provide traction duringmovements in which the medial portion of the forefoot region of footwear100 is substantially loaded. In addition, outer member 120 may furtherinclude a toe region tread member 285, and a heel region tread member290. On or more of first lateral tread member 255, second lateral treadmember 260, third lateral tread member 265, first medial tread member270, second medial tread member 275, third medial tread member 280, toeregion tread member 285, and heel region tread member 290 may be formedof a material that provides more grip than other portions of outermember 120. For example, while a substantial majority of outer member120 may be formed of a compressible foam material, the tread members maybe formed of a rubber compound. Additionally, the tread members may haveground engaging features, such as projections or recesses, as shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of sole structure 105. In some embodiments,sole structure 105 may include one or more additional components thatcontrol ground reaction forces. For example, in some embodiments, solestructure 105 may include a chamber 150 for receiving a pressurizedfluid, such as one or more gases. Chamber 150 may be compressible, andthus, may provide cushioning by attenuating ground reaction forces. Asshown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, midsole 115 may include a recess145 configured to receive and contain chamber 150.

In some embodiments, sole structure 105 may include an additionalcomponent on top of chamber 150. For example, sole structure 105 mayinclude a footbed member (not shown). The footbed member may form acovering over top of chamber 150, to conceal chamber 150 from an innerportion of the article of footwear. In addition, the footbed member mayprovide a surface or footbed configured to support the foot of a wearerdirectly. In some embodiments, the footbed member may be removable. Forexample, in some embodiments, the footbed member may be a removableinsole/sockliner. In other embodiments, the footbed member may befixedly attached to one or more portions of the article of footwear. Insome embodiments, the footbed member may be fixedly attached to midsole115 about the periphery of recess 145, thereby enclosing chamber 150. Insome embodiments, the footbed member may be a strobel. For example, thefootbed member may be fixedly attached to an upper of the article offootwear. In such a strobel embodiment, the footbed member, whencombined with the upper, may substantially completely enclose the footof a wearer and isolate the wearer's foot from chamber 150. The footbedmember may have any suitable configuration and any suitable material.For example, in some embodiments, the footbed member may besubstantially incompressible. In such embodiments, the footbed membermay be formed of rigid or semi-rigid materials such as hard plastics,carbon fiber, or other composite materials. In other embodiments, asubstantially incompressible footbed member may be formed of arelatively flexible material, such as a textile, leather, or syntheticleather.

Midsole 115 may have any suitable configuration and may providecushioning and stability. For example, in some embodiments, midsole 115may be formed of a compressible material, such as a resilient polymerfoam material, examples of which may include polyurethane (PU) or ethylvinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments, midsole 115 may extendthroughout the length and width of footwear 100. In some embodiments,midsole 115 may also incorporate incompressible plates, moderators,and/or other elements that further attenuate forces, influence themotions of the foot, and/or impart stability, for example.

As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, chamber 150 mayinclude a first chamber barrier layer 155 and a second chamber barrierlayer 160. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, first chamberbarrier layer 155 may be a top barrier layer and second chamber barrierlayer 160 may be a bottom barrier layer. Second chamber barrier layer160 may be bonded to first chamber barrier layer 155 about peripheralportions of first chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamber barrierlayer 160 to define an interior void between first chamber barrier layer155 and second chamber barrier layer 160.

The fluid within chamber 150 may range in pressure from zero tothree-hundred-fifty kilopascals (i.e., approximately fifty-one poundsper square inch) or more. In some configurations of sole structure 105,a suitable pressure for the fluid may be a substantially ambientpressure. That is, the pressure of the fluid may be within fivekilopascals of the ambient pressure of the atmospheric air surroundingfootwear 100. The pressure of fluid within chamber 150 may be selectedto provide desirable performance attributes. For example, higherpressures may provide a more responsive cushioning element, whereaslower pressures may provide more ground force attenuation (a softercushion). The pressure of fluid within chamber 150 may be selected towork in concert with other cushioning elements of footwear 100, such asmidsole 115 and footbed member 185.

In some configurations, chamber 150 may be inflated with substantiallypure nitrogen. Such an inflation gas promotes maintenance of thepressure within chamber 150 through diffusion pumping, whereby thedeficiency of other gases (besides nitrogen), such as oxygen, withinchamber 150 biases the system for inward diffusion of such gasses intochamber 150. Further, bladder materials, such as those discussed above,may be substantially impermeable to nitrogen, thus preventing the escapeof the nitrogen from chamber 150.

In some configurations, relatively small amounts of other gases, such asoxygen or a mixture of gasses, such as air, may be added to the nitrogenoccupying most of the volume within chamber 150. In some configurations,chamber 150 may incorporate a valve that permits the individual toadjust the pressure of the fluid. In other configurations, chamber 150may be incorporated into a fluid system, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.7,210,249 to Passke, et al., as a pump chamber or a pressure chamber. Inorder to pressurize chamber 150 or portions of chamber 150, the generalinflation methods disclosed in Hensley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,450,issued Aug. 14, 2012, and entitled “Method For Inflating A Fluid-FilledChamber,” and Schindler et al., U.S. Pat. No. ______, issued ______, andentitled “Article Of Footwear Having A Sole Structure With AFluid-Filled Chamber,” (now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2009/0151196, published Jun. 18, 2009), may be utilized. The patents andpublished patent applications listed in this paragraph are incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the chamber may include one or more features thatlimit the expansion of the top and bottom portions of the chamber uponinflation. For example, in some embodiments, the chamber may include oneor more tensile structures that link the top portion of the chamber tothe bottom portion of the chamber. Such tensile structures may besubstantially inelastic (or may have a limited elasticity) such that,when the chamber is inflated causing the top and bottom portions of thechamber to be biased apart from one another, the tensile structureslimit the distance by which the top and bottom portions may be separatedduring inflation. Accordingly, the tensile structures may enable thebladder to retain its intended, substantially planar shape.

As shown in FIG. 3, a tensile structure, such as a tensile member 165may extend between first chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamberbarrier layer 160. Tensile member 165 may be bonded to first chamberbarrier layer 155 and second chamber barrier layer 160. For example, insome embodiments, a thermoplastic (hot melt) adhesive may be used tobond tensile member 165 to first chamber barrier layer 155 and secondchamber barrier layer 160. Tensile member 165 may have a limitedelasticity and, therefore, may limit the extent to which first chamberbarrier layer 155 and second chamber barrier layer 160 may be expandedaway from one another upon inflation of chamber 150.

As shown in FIG. 3, tensile member 165 may include a first tensilemember layer 170 and a second tensile member layer 175. Further, tensilemember 165 may also include a plurality of tethers 180 extending betweenfirst tensile member layer 170 and second tensile member layer 175.

Tensile member 165 may have any configuration suitable for limiting thedistance between first chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamberbarrier layer 160 of chamber 150 when inflated. For example, tensilemember 165 may have any of the configurations disclosed in Dua, U.S.Pat. No. 8,151,486, issued Apr. 10, 2012, and entitled “Fluid-FilledChamber with a Textile Tensile Member;” Peyton et al., U.S. Pat. No.8,479,412, issued Jul. 9, 2013, and entitled “Tethered Fluid-FilledChambers;” and Hazenberg et al., U.S. Pat. No. ______, issued ______,and entitled “Spacer Textile Materials and Methods for Manufacturing theSpacer Textile Materials,” (now U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/443,421, filed Apr. 10, 2012; Attorney Docket No. 51-2295) the entiredisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some configurations, tethers 180 may include a plurality ofsubstantially planar slats. In some configurations, such slats may bearranged in a substantially vertical orientation. In other embodiments,such slats may be angled with respect to first chamber barrier layer 155and second chamber barrier layer 160. Further, such slats may beoriented in any suitable direction. For example, in some embodiments,the slats may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction. In otherembodiments, the slats may be oriented in a substantially longitudinaldirection. Other orientations are also possible. Tethers 180 may haveany of the planar configurations disclosed in Dua, U.S. Pat. No.8,151,486, issued Apr. 10, 2012, and entitled “Fluid-Filled Chamber witha Textile Tensile Member.”

In some configurations, tethers 180 may include a plurality ofstrand-like members having a substantially one-dimensionalconfiguration. For example, tethers 180 may each have a length betweenfirst tensile member layer 170 and second tensile member 175. Thislength may be substantially greater than the width or thickness of theone-dimensional tethers. Tethers 180 may have any of the one-dimensionalconfigurations disclosed in Peyton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,412,issued Jul. 9, 2013, and entitled “Tethered Fluid-Filled Chambers.”

Tethers 180 may be formed of any suitable material. For example in someembodiments, tethers 180 may be formed of a polymer material. In someembodiments, tensile member 165 may be formed of a three-dimensionalfabric (3-D fabric). Tensile member 165 may be formed as a unitary(i.e., one-piece) textile element having the configuration of aspacer-knit textile. A variety of knitting techniques may be utilized toform tensile member 165 and impart a specific configuration (e.g.,taper, contour, length, width, thickness) to tensile member 165. Ingeneral, knitting involves forming courses and wales of intermeshedloops of a yarn or multiple yarns. In production, knitting machines maybe programmed to mechanically-manipulate yarns into the configuration oftensile member 165. That is, tensile member 165 may be formed bymechanically-manipulating yarns to form a one-piece textile element thathas a particular configuration. The two major categories of knittingtechniques are weft-knitting and warp-knitting. Whereas a weft-knitfabric utilizes a single yarn within each course, a warp-knit fabricutilizes a different yarn for every stitch in a course. In someembodiments, tensile member 165 may be formed using double needle barRaschel knitting. In some embodiments, tensile member 165 may be formedusing configurations disclosed in Hazenberg et al., U.S. Pat. No.______, issued ______, and entitled “Spacer Textile Materials andMethods for Manufacturing the Spacer Textile Materials,” (now U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/443,421, filed Apr. 10, 2012; AttorneyDocket No. 51-2295).

In some embodiments, all of tethers 180 may have substantially the samelength, thus providing tensile member 165 with a substantially constantthickness. In other embodiments, tethers 180 may have different lengths.In some embodiments, first tensile member layer 170 and second tensilemember layer 175 may each have a generally continuous and planarconfiguration. In some embodiments, first tensile member layer 170 andsecond tensile member layer 175 may be substantially parallel to oneanother. In other embodiments, tensile member 165 may have a taperedconfiguration. For example, in some embodiments, tensile member 165 mayhave a tapered configuration between heel region 140 and forefoot region130. In order to impart the tapered configuration, the lengths oftethers 180 may decrease between the heel region and forefoot region ofchamber 150. Exemplary tapered chamber configurations are disclosed inDua, U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,486, issued Apr. 10, 2012, and entitled“Fluid-Filled Chamber with a Textile Tensile Member.”

In some embodiments, one or both of first tensile member layer 170 andsecond tensile member layer 175 may have a contoured configuration. Forexample, in some embodiments, first tensile member layer 170 may have aconcave configuration to conform to the anatomical shapes of the foot. Adepression in heel region 140 may cradle the heel of a wearer and moreevenly distribute contact forces between chamber 150 and the foot of thewearer. Exemplary contoured chamber configurations are disclosed in Dua,U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,486, issued Apr. 10, 2012, and entitled“Fluid-Filled Chamber with a Textile Tensile Member;” and Peyton et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,412, issued Jul. 9, 2013, and entitled “TetheredFluid-Filled Chambers.”

In some embodiments, the chamber may include stitching through selectportions of the tensile member in order to maintain the select portionsof the tensile member in a collapsed configuration. This may provide thechamber with a reduced thickness, which may provide hinge-likeflexibility in the stitched region. As shown in FIG. 3, stitching 185may be stitched through tensile member 165. As shown in FIG. 3, firsttensile member layer 155 remains continuous across multiple sections ofchamber 150. Thus, tensile member 165 may be a fully pre-formedstructure prior to assembly into chamber 150. Tensile member 165 being afully pre-formed structure may facilitate positioning of tensile member165 during assembly, because there are no separate pieces that maybecome out of place with respect to one another when pressed betweenfirst chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamber barrier layer 160.

Stitching 185 may be incorporated in chamber 150 in one or more stitchedlines. For example, chamber 190 may include one or morelaterally-oriented stitch lines 190. Additionally, or alternatively,chamber 190 may include one or more longitudinally-oriented stitch lines195.

FIG. 3 illustrates sipes 200 with hidden lines 198 in recess 145. Asshown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the stitch lines of chamber 150may correspond to, and align with, sipes 200 in outer member 120.Exemplary configurations of stitching 185 are discussed in greaterdetail below.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of chamber barrier layer 155 accordingto an exemplary embodiment. Chamber barrier layers may be formed from apolymer or other bladder material that provides a sealed barrier forenclosing a fluid. As noted above, the bladder material may betransparent. A wide range of polymer materials may be utilized forchamber 150. In selecting materials for chamber 150, engineeringproperties of the material (e.g., tensile strength, stretch properties,fatigue characteristics, dynamic modulus, and loss tangent) as well asthe ability of the material to prevent the diffusion of the fluidcontained by chamber 150 may be considered. When formed of thermoplasticurethane, for example, the outer barrier of chamber 150 may have athickness of approximately 1.0 millimeter, but the thickness may rangefrom 0.25 to 2.0 millimeters or more, for example.

In addition to thermoplastic urethane, examples of polymer materialsthat may be suitable for chamber barrier layers include polyurethane,polyester, polyester polyurethane, and polyether polyurethane. Chamberbarrier layers may also be formed from a material that includesalternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,141 and5,952,065 to Mitchell, et al. A variation upon this material may also beutilized, wherein a center layer is formed of ethylene-vinyl alcoholcopolymer, layers adjacent to the center layer are formed ofthermoplastic polyurethane, and outer layers are formed of a regrindmaterial of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl alcoholcopolymer. Another suitable material for chamber barrier layers is aflexible microlayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gasbarrier material and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk, et al. Additional suitablematerials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 toRudy. Further suitable materials include thermoplastic films containinga crystalline material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and5,042,176 to Rudy, and polyurethane including a polyester polyol, asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340; 6,203,868; and 6,321,465 to Bonk,et al. The patents listed in this paragraph are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the chamber barrier layers may be formed from amaterial that includes multiple layers. For example, in someembodiments, one or more of the chamber barrier layers may includealternating layers of thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,713,141 and5,952,065 to Mitchell, et al., the entire disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, each chamberbarrier layer may have the alternating layered configuration. Asdepicted in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, chamber barrier layer 155 mayinclude a first center layer 405, a second layer 410, and a third layer415. First layer 405 may be disposed between second layer 410 and thirdlayer 415. Further, first layer 405 may be joined to both second layer405 and third layer 415.

In some embodiments, first layer 405 may be formed of a first materialand second layer 410 may be formed of a second material. In someembodiments, third layer 415 may also be formed of the second material.Further, the second material may be different from the first material.In some embodiments, the first material may include an ethylene-vinylcopolymer. The second material may include a thermoplastic polymer. Forexample, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer may bethermoplastic polyurethane.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a chamber barrier layer according toanother exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 5, a chamber barrier layer 500 mayinclude 5 layers of material. For example, chamber barrier layer 500 mayinclude a first center layer 505, a second layer 510, and a third layer515. In some embodiments, first center layer 505, second layer 510, andthird layer 515 may have configurations similar to corresponding layersdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 4. In addition, chamber barrierlayer 500 may include a fourth layer 520 and a fifth layer 525. Secondlayer 510 may be disposed between fourth layer 520 and first layer 505.Further, second layer 505 may be joined to fourth layer 520. Inaddition, third layer 515 may be disposed between fifth layer 525 andfirst layer 505. Further, third layer 415 may be joined to fifth layer425.

In some embodiments, fourth layer 520 may be formed of a third materialand fifth layer 525 may also be formed of the third material. In someembodiments, the third material may be different than the secondmaterial. Further, the third material may also be different than thefirst material. In some embodiments, fourth layer 520 may be formed of amaterial that includes a regrind of thermoplastic polyurethane andethylene-vinyl copolymer. Similarly, fifth layer 525 may also be formedof a material that includes a regrind of thermoplastic polyurethane andethylene-vinyl copolymer.

Another suitable material for chamber barrier layers is a flexiblemicrolayer membrane that includes alternating layers of a gas barriermaterial and an elastomeric material, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,082,025 and 6,127,026 to Bonk, et al. Additional suitable materialsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,156 and 4,219,945 to Rudy. Furthersuitable materials include thermoplastic films containing a crystallinematerial, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and 5,042,176 toRudy, and polyurethane including a polyester polyol, as disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,340; 6,203,868; and 6,321,465 to Bonk, et al.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of a tensilemember according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6,stitching 185 may be stitched through tensile member 165. In someembodiments, the stitching may be performed with a needle 185.

The stitching may include any suitable thread or other strand-likematerial. The stitching should have a tensile strength configured toprevent or limit the separation of the first tensile member layer fromthe second tensile member layer by the expansive forces applied by thepressurized fluid within the chamber. Any suitable material may be usedfor stitching the tensile member. In some embodiments, the stitching maybe substantially inelastic. In other embodiments, the stitching may havea limited elasticity, allowing a predetermined amount of separationbetween the first tensile member layer and the second tensile memberlayer upon pressurization of the chamber.

In some embodiments, the stitching may include a monofilament strand. Insome embodiments, the stitching may include a braided strand. In someembodiments, the stitching may include synthetic strand materials. Forexample, the stitching may include nylon, polyvinyledene fluoride (PVDF,aka fluorocarbon), polyethylene, Dacron, Dyneema (ultra high molecularweight poly ethylene (UHMWPE)), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester,rayon (processed cellulose), or combinations thereof. In someembodiments, the stitching may include natural materials, such ascotton, silk, wool, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, thestitching may include combinations of synthetic material and naturalmaterial.

The needle and thread shown in FIG. 6 are shown to schematicallyillustrate the stitching of the tensile member. In some embodiments, thetensile member may be stitched manually. In other embodiments, a machinemay be used to stitch the tensile member. In some embodiments, themachine may be operated by a technician. In other embodiments, themachine may be semi-automated, or fully automated. For example, asdiscussed in greater detail below, the tensile member may be stitched invarious patterns. Such patterned stitching may be performed with anautomated machine. In some embodiments, the pattern may include one ormore substantially straight lines. In some embodiments, the pattern mayinclude one or more substantially curved lines. In some embodiments, thepattern may include both curved and straight lines of stitching.Further, in some embodiments, the pattern may include two or more linesof the stitching substantially adjacent one another. In someembodiments, the stitching may be embroidered.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view illustrating stitching of tensilemember 165. As shown in FIG. 7, stitching 185 may be pulled tight, asillustrated by a first arrow 605 showing the pulling of stitching 185 byneedle 600. As further shown in FIG. 7, the stitching through a portionof tensile member 165 may draw first tensile member layer 170 and secondtensile member layer 175 toward one another in a stitched area. This mayproduce an area of reduced thickness 610 in tensile member 165. In someembodiments, the stitching may draw the tensile member layers intocontact with one another.

It will be noted that FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of thestitching process. The tightening of stitching 185 may be performed aspart of the machine stitching process. Therefore, in some embodiments,the tightening may not necessarily be performed by pulling needle 600 inthe direction of first arrow 605.

In some embodiments, adhesive layers may be utilized to bond tensilemember 165 to the chamber barrier layers. In some cases, such adhesivelayers may be bonded to tensile member 165 after the stitching oftensile member 165 is performed. For example, FIG. 8 is across-sectional view illustrating bonding of thermoplastic layers totensile member 165. As shown in FIG. 8, a first thermoplastic layer 615may be placed adjacent to first tensile member layer 170 of tensilemember 165. In addition, second thermoplastic layer 620 may be placedadjacent to second tensile member layer 170. This placement of thesecomponents may form a stacked arrangement. The stacked arrangement maybe compressed in the direction of a second arrow 625 and a third arrow630. In addition, heat may be applied to at least partially activatefirst thermoplastic layer 615 and second thermoplastic layer 620 to bondwith tensile member 165.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating bonding of chamber barrierlayers to tensile member 165. As illustrated in FIG. 9, first chamberbarrier layer 155, tensile member 165 and second chamber barrier layer160 may be arranged in a stacked arrangement. That is, arranging thechamber components in a stacked arrangement involves locating tensilemember 165 between first chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamberbarrier layer 160. Once stacked, the components may be joined togetherby compression illustrated by a fourth arrow 635 and a fifth arrow 640.In addition to compression, heat may be applied to activate firstthermoplastic layer 615 and second thermoplastic layer 620, to therebythermally bond thermoplastic layer 615 to first tensile member layer 170and second thermoplastic layer 620 to second tensile member layer 175.

Once peripheral portions of first chamber barrier layer 155 and secondchamber barrier layer 160 are joined together to define a chamber, thechamber may be inflated. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustratinginflation of chamber 150 formed by the steps shown in FIGS. 6-9. Asshown in FIG. 10, inflation gases may be injected into chamber 150 topressurize chamber 150, as illustrated by a sixth arrow 645 and a billowof gas 650. Pressurizing chamber 150 may be performed to expandunstitched areas of tensile member 165. Accordingly, this will applytension to tethers 180, as illustrated by tethers 180 shown in astraight configuration, as opposed to the curved configurationillustrated in FIGS. 6-9. In a stitched area 655, first tensile memberlayer 170 and second tensile member layer 175 may be held closer to oneanother than in unstitched areas of tensile member 165. In someembodiments, a gap may remain between first tensile member layer 170 andsecond tensile member layer 175 in stitched area 655, as shown in FIG.10. In other embodiments, in stitched areas of the tensile member,contact may be maintained between the first tensile member layer and thesecond tensile member layer.

In some embodiments, the adhesive layers may be bonded to the tensilemember prior to stitching of the tensile member. Once the adhesivelayers are bonded to the tensile member, the stitching may be passedthrough the tensile member and the adhesive layers. FIGS. 11-15illustrate a similar process of forming chamber 150 as shown in FIGS.6-10, except that, as shown in FIG. 11, first thermoplastic layer 615and second thermoplastic layer 620 may be bonded to tensile member 165prior to stitching. As shown in FIG. 12, needle 600 may pass stitching185 through not only tensile member 165 but also through firstthermoplastic layer 615 and second thermoplastic layer 620.

As shown in FIG. 13, upon tightening stitching 185, an area of reducedthickness 670 in tensile member 165 may be formed. FIG. 14 illustratesthe bonding of first chamber barrier layer 155 and second chamberbarrier layer 160 by applying pressure indicated by a seventh arrow 675and an eighth arrow 680. Heat may also be applied to activate firstthermoplastic layer 615 and second thermoplastic layer 620. Finally, asindicated by ninth arrow 685 and a billow 690 in FIG. 15, chamber 150may be inflated with pressurized gasses. As shown in FIG. 15, stitching185 may provide chamber 150 with a reduced thickness in a stitched area695.

A method of forming an article of footwear may include incorporating achamber formed in the manner discussed above into the sole structure ofthe article of footwear. In some embodiments, stitching may includeforming an elongate stitched region. In some cases, the sole structureof the article of footwear may includes at least one flex groove, andincorporating the chamber into the sole structure includes aligning theelongate stitched region with the at least one flex groove.

In some embodiments, stitching through a portion of the tensile memberincludes forming a stitched region by stitching a first line ofstitching and a second line of stitching parallel and adjacent to thefirst line of stitching. This may provide a wider hinge in the chamber,which may provide varying performance in terms of flexibility.

In some embodiments, pressurizing the chamber with the pressurized fluidexpands the first tensile member such that a substantial majority of thefirst tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile memberlayer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality oftethers. In some embodiments, a first area of the chamber correspondingwith the first stitched region has a first reduced thickness relative toadjacent portions of the chamber. Further, upon inflation of thechamber, the first tensile member layer is held a distance from thesecond tensile member layer by stitching in the second stitched region,thereby forming a second area of the chamber having a second reducedthickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

FIG. 16 is an assembled view of sole structure 105. As shown in FIG. 16,chamber 150 may be incorporated into sole structure 105 of the articleof footwear. As further shown in FIG. 16, the stitch lines of chamber150 may be aligned with sipes 200 of outer member 120 of sole structure105. For example, chamber 150 may include a stitch line 1605 that isaligned with sipe 225, as shown in FIG. 16.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate cross-sectional views taken through solestructure 105 shown in FIG. 16. In particular, FIG. 17 is a crosssectional view taken at section line 17-17 in FIG. 16. FIG. 17illustrates chamber 150 disposed in recess 145. FIG. 17 also shows outermember 120, including a tread member 1705. FIG. 17 further shows area ofreduced thickness 610 in chamber 150 in an enlarged view.

As shown in FIG. 17, the sipes in outer member 120 form a plurality offlex grooves in outer member 120. In some embodiments, the flex groovesmay be aligned with stitched regions of chamber 150. For example, asshown in FIG. 17, stitch line 1605 may be aligned with sipe 225. Byaligning the stitch lines and the flex grooves, the flexible portions ofeach component may be aligned, thus allowing for more overallflexibility of sole structure 105 than if the stitch lines and sipeswere non-aligned.

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view taken at section line 18-18 in FIG.16. As shown in FIG. 18, a longitudinal stitch line 1615 may be alignedwith sipe 205. This arrangement may provide increased lateralflexibility in sole structure 105 than if the stitch line and sipe werenon-aligned. In some embodiments, the flex groove and the stitchedregion may be disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear,in a location that corresponds with a ball of a foot of a wearer of thearticle of footwear.

FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view illustrating the sole structure shownin FIG. 17 in an articulated configuration. FIG. 19 illustrates theforefoot region of sole structure 105 being curved upward as it may bewhen the wearer's heel is raised off the ground. As shown in FIG. 19,sipe 205 may open wider to form a more open flex groove uponarticulation of sole structure 105. Stitch line 1605 of chamber 150 mayform a hinge region 1620, which may articulate along with outer member120. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, when chamber 1340 is articulated,adjacent sections of chamber 150 may hingedly rotate with respect to oneanother about the hinged region 1620.

In some embodiments, stitching in the chamber may be incorporated inpatterns that provide the chamber with varying properties throughout itsstructure. For example, in some embodiments, stitch lines may be locatedat select distances or arrangements with respect to one another in orderto provide the chamber with different flexibilities in differentportions of the chamber. Providing the chamber with varying levels offlexibility may increase the correlation between the flexibility of thesole structure of the footwear and the wearer's foot.

FIG. 20 illustrates a stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, achamber 2000 may include a stitched region. In some embodiments, thestitched region may include a longitudinal line of stitching 2005. Insome embodiments, the stitched region may include a first line ofstitching 2010, a second line of stitching 2015 substantially parallelto first line of stitching 2010, and a third line of stitching 2020substantially parallel to first line of stitching 2010 and second lineof stitching 2015. As shown in FIG. 20, second line of stitching 2015may be spaced from first line of stitching 2010 by a first distance2025. Further, third line of stitching 2020 may be spaced from secondline of stitching 2015 by a second distance 2030. In some cases, firstdistance 2025 may be different than second distance 2030.

In some embodiments, a first region of chamber 2000 including first lineof stitching 2010 and second line of stitching 2015 may have a firstdegree of flexibility. In addition, a second region of chamber 2000including second line of stitching 2015 and third line of stitching 2020may have a second degree of flexibility that is different than the firstdegree of flexibility of the first region of chamber 2000.

In addition, in some embodiments, chamber 2000 may include a fourth lineof stitching 2035 and a fifth line of stitching 2040. Fourth line ofstitching 2035 and fifth line of stitching 2040 may be disposed at athird distance 2045 from one another. In some embodiments, thirddistance 2045 may be different than first distance 2025 and seconddistance 2030.

FIG. 21 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. As shown in FIG. 21, a chamber 2100 may include afirst plurality of stitch lines 2105. In addition, chamber 2100 mayinclude a second plurality of stitch lines 2110. In some embodiments,first plurality of stitch lines 2105 may be substantially perpendicularto second plurality of stitch lines 2110. Further, in some embodiments,first plurality of stitch lines 2105 may overlap second plurality ofstitch lines 2110, thus forming a grid of stitching. It will be notedthat in some embodiments, the stitch lines may be substantially linear,as shown, for example, in FIG. 21. Linear stitch lines may be faster andless costly to produce. Further, a grid of linear stitch lines mayprovide the chamber with flexibility in multiple directions. Inaddition, it will be noted that, in some embodiments, the stitch linesmay be disposed off-axis. That is, as shown in FIG. 21, neither firstplurality of stitch lines 2105 and second plurality of stitch lines 2110may be oriented at an angle to both the longitudinal direction and thelateral direction.

In some embodiments, overlapping stitch lines, or stitch lines thatotherwise extend at angles to one another may reduce flexibilitycompared to stitch lines that do not have additional stitch linesproximate to and/or overlapping. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thechamber may include stitch lines that are discontinuous.

FIG. 22 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. As shown in FIG. 22, a chamber 2200 may include anelongate stitched region, in the form of a first stitch line 2205 and asecond stitch line 2210. First stitch line 2205 and second stitch line2210 may be oriented along axes that intersect with one another.Further, in some embodiments, first stitch line 2205 and second stitchline 2210 may intersect one another. However, as shown in FIG. 22, bothfirst stitch line 2205 and second stitch line 2210 may be discontinuous,and thus may not overlap one another. As shown in FIG. 22, first stitchline 2205 may include a first gap 2215. Similarly, second stitch line2210 may include a second gap 2220. First gap 2215 and second gap 2220may prevent first stitch line 2205 and second stitch line 2210 fromoverlapping, and thus may avoid any reduction in flexibility that may beprovide by such overlapping.

In some embodiments, stitching patterns may be arranged to providediffering flexibility in different portions of the chamber. For example,in some embodiments, multi-axial flexibility may be desired in someareas of the foot, such as the forefoot region, whereas single-axisflexibility may be desired in other areas of the foot, such as a midfootregion. Accordingly, different stitching patterns may be used indifferent portions of the chamber.

FIG. 23 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. As shown in FIG. 23, a chamber 2300 may include afirst set of stitch lines 2305 in the forefoot region of chamber 2300.First set of stitch lines 2305 may be formed in a grid-like arrangement,which may provide multi-axial flexibility. In addition, chamber 2300 mayinclude a second set of stitch lines 2310 in the midfoot region ofchamber 2300. Second set of stitch lines 2310 may be arrangedsubstantially parallel to one another, and may be oriented in asubstantially longitudinal direction. Such longitudinally arrangedstitch lines may provide increased flexibility in the lateral direction.

In some embodiments, stitch lines may be arranged in an asymmetricmanner to permit and/or control asymmetric aspects of foot motion. FIG.24 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for an article offootwear. As shown in FIG. 24, a chamber 2400 may include a plurality ofelongate portions, such as stitch lines, radiating in differentdirections from a central point. For example, as shown in FIG. 24,chamber 2400 may include a first stitch lines 2405, a second stitch line2410, a third stitch line 2415, a fourth stitch line 2420, a fifthstitch line 2425, and a sixth stitch line 2430. As further shown in FIG.24, first stitch lines 2405, second stitch line 2410, third stitch line2415, fourth stitch line 2420, fifth stitch line 2425, and sixth stitchline 2430 may all converge at a common center point 2435. As shown inFIG. 24, center point 2435 may be disposed on a medial side of theforefoot region of chamber 2400. Thus, the radiating portions of thestitch lines may extend toward the lateral side of chamber 2400. Sinceconverging stitch lines may decrease flexibility, the additional spacebetween the stitch lines on the lateral side of chamber 2400 may providechamber 2400 with a greater amount of flexibility on the lateral side.In some embodiments, the center point may be located elsewhere, such ason the lateral side of the chamber, and the stitch lines may radiate ingenerally medial directions. In some embodiments, both configurationsmay be included in the same chamber, as shown in FIG. 24.

While the embodiment shown in FIG. 24 utilizes substantially linearstitch lines, in other embodiments, converging stitch lines may becurved. FIG. 25 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber foran article of footwear. As shown in FIG. 25, a chamber 2500 may includea stitched region including a plurality of curved portions intersectingat a common intersection point. For example, chamber 2500 may include afirst stitch line 2505, a second stitch line 2510, and a third stitchline 2515. As shown in FIG. 25, first stitch line 2505, second stitchline 2510, and third stitch line 2515 may intersect at an intersectionpoint 2517.

As further shown in FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the plurality ofcurved portions may be curved about center points disposed on a commonline, wherein the plurality of curved portions each have a differentradius of curvature. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, first stitch line2505 may be curved about a first center point 2520. Second stitch line2510 may be curved about a second center point 2525. Third stitch line2515 may be curved about a third center point 2530. As shown in FIG. 25,first center point 2520, second center point 2525, and third centerpoint 2530 may be disposed on a common line 2535. Further, first stitchline 2505 may have a first radius of curvature 2540, second stitch line2510 may have a second radius of curvature 2545, and third stitch line2515 may have a third radius of curvature 2550. As shown in FIG. 25,first radius of curvature 2540, second radius of curvature 2545, andthird radius of curvature 2550 may be different from one another. Thismay result in two sets of radiating stitch lines. As shown in FIG. 25,one set of radiating stitch lines may extend toward a forefoot region ofchamber 2500, and a second set of radiating stitch lines may extendtoward a heel region of chamber 2500, the intersection 2517 beingdisposed in a midfoot region of chamber 2500.

In some embodiments, both curved and linear stitch lines may be utilizedin a stitch pattern for a chamber. In some embodiments, such curvedstitch lines may intersect with linear stitch lines. In order to avoidundesired reduction in flexibility due to overlapping, the curved stitchlines may intersect with the linear stitch lines in a non-overlappingmanner.

FIG. 26 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. As shown in FIG. 26, a chamber 2600 may include afirst curved stitch line 2605, a second curved stitch line 2610, a thirdcurved stitch line 2615. In some embodiments, these curved stitch linesmay be concentric about a common center point 2650. In addition, asfurther shown in FIG. 26, chamber 2600 may include a first linear stitchline 2620, a second linear stitch line 2625, and a third linear stitchline 2630. These linear stitch lines may also each extend along axesthat intersect with center point 2650.

In some embodiments, first curved stitch line 2605 may intersect withfirst linear stitch line 2620 at a first intersection point 2635. Secondcurved stitch line 2610 may intersect with second linear stitch line2625 at a second intersection point 2640. Third curved stitch line 2615may intersect with third linear stitch line 2630 at a third intersectionpoint 2645. As shown in FIG. 26, the curved stitch lines and linearstitch lines may not overlap at these intersection points. As shown inFIG. 26, in some embodiments, the curved stitch lines may be disposed ona medial side of chamber 2600, and the linear stitch lines may bedisposed on a lateral side of chamber 2600. This arrangement may providediffering flexibility to support or control different foot motions onthe medial and lateral sides of the foot. In other embodiments, thelocation of curved and linear stitch lines maybe reversed. In someembodiments center point 2650 may be located in a forefoot region ofchamber 2600. In other embodiments, the center point may be locatedelsewhere, such as in a heel region of chamber 2600. As shown in FIG.26, in some embodiments, both arrangements may be used, for example, alaterally radiating arrangement in the forefoot region, and a mediallyradiating arrangement in the heel region.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide flexibility aroundthe peripheral edge of the chamber. FIG. 27 illustrates anotherstitching pattern for a chamber for an article of footwear. As shown inFIG. 27, a chamber 2700 may include an elongate stitched region, forexample, including a stitch line 2705. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 27, the stitched region including stitch line 2705 may extendaround a periphery of chamber 2700. Further, in some embodiments, stitchline 2700 may be substantially evenly spaced from an edge of chamber2700 in a heel region 2710 of chamber 2700. Such a configuration maycradle the foot of the wearer, but enabling peripheral portions ofchamber 2700 to flex upward to wrap around the outside of the foot.

In some embodiments, stitching may be used in chambers to provideflexibility in certain regions and to provide contours in other regions.FIG. 28 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. As shown in FIG. 28, a chamber 2800 may include afirst stitch line 2805 in a forefoot region of chamber 2800. Inaddition, chamber 2800 may include a second stitch line 2810 in theforefoot region. First stitch line 2805 and second stitch line 2810 mayextend in substantially lateral directions across the forefoot region ofchamber 2800. Accordingly, first stitch line 2805 and seconds stitchline 2810 may provide flexibility to the forefoot region of chamber2800.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 28, chamber 2800 may include a curvedstitch line 2815. Curved stitch line 2815 may extend about a peripheralportion of a heel region of chamber 2800. Curved stitch line 2815 mayprovide flexibility to the peripheral portions of the heel region inorder to cradle the heel of a wearer in a central area 2820 of the heelregion.

In some embodiments, stitching may provide flexibility at lateral andmedial edges of the chamber, in select areas. FIG. 29 illustrates astitching pattern for a chamber for an article of footwear. FIG. 29shows a chamber 2900, including a stitched region including a pluralityof curved stitch lines. For example, chamber 2900 may include a firststitch line 2905, a second stitch line 2910, and a third stitch line2915. These three stitch lines may be curved in the same direction andmay be substantially parallel to one another. In addition, these linesmay extend in a substantially lateral direction across chamber 2900, inorder to provide longitudinal flexibility to chamber 2900.

Chamber 2900 may also include a toe stitch line 2920, which may becurved in an opposite direction as first stitch line 2905, second stitchline 2910, and third stitch line 2915. Further, chamber 2900 may includea medial curved stitch line 2925 disposed proximate a medial edge ofchamber 2900. In addition, chamber 2900 may include a lateral curvedstitch line 2930 disposed proximate a lateral edge of chamber 2900.Medial curved stitch line 2925 and lateral curved stitch line 2930 mayprovide flexibility at the medial and lateral edges of a forefoot regionof chamber 2900.

In some embodiments, substantially uni-directional flexibility may beprovided by arranging the stitched regions in substantially parallellines. FIG. 30 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber foran article of footwear. As shown in FIG. 30, a chamber 3000 may includea plurality of substantially parallel stitch lines. As shown in FIG. 30,in some embodiments, the stitch lines may extend in a substantiallylateral direction, in order to provide longitudinal flexibility tochamber 3000. In some embodiments, the stitch lines may be equidistantfrom one another (i.e., evenly spaced), in order to provide asubstantially consistent flexibility over the length of the chamber. Forexample, chamber 3000 may include a first stitch line 3005, a secondstitch line 3010 substantially parallel to first stitch line 3005, and athird stitch line 3015 substantially parallel to second stitch line3010. First stitch line 3005 may be disposed a first distance 3020 fromsecond stitch line 3010. In addition, second stitch line 3010 may bedisposed a second distance 3025 from third stitch line 3015. In someembodiments, first distance 3020 may be substantially the same as seconddistance 3025, as shown in FIG. 30. In other embodiments, first distance3020 and second distance 3025 may be substantially different.Substantially different distances between parallel stitch lines may beimplemented to provide differing flexibility to different portions ofthe chamber.

In some embodiments, multiple stitch lines may be disposed adjacent toone another to provide different flexibility characteristics than singlestitch lines. Multiple stitch lines may provide wider areas of reducedthickness in the chamber, which may increase flexibility.

FIG. 31 illustrates another stitching pattern for a chamber for anarticle of footwear. FIG. 31 shows a chamber 3100 having a stitchedregion including a plurality of stitch lines 3105. In addition, chamber3100 may also include a first flex groove 3110 and a second flex groove3115. As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 31, first flex groove 3110may be formed using multiple stitches adjacent to one another. Forexample, the stitched region may include at least two elongate lines ofstitching, including a first line of stitching 3120 and a second line ofstitching 3125 arranged parallel and adjacent to first line of stitching3120.

In some embodiments, differing flexibility may be provided withstitching by holding opposing layers of the tensile member at varyingdistances from one another, thus varying the amount to which thethickness of the chamber is reduced in the stitched regions. A greaterreduction in thickness of the chamber will provide more flexibility. Insome embodiments, different flexibility may be provided in differentportions of the same chamber, by utilizing stitch lines that drawopposing layers of the tensile member toward each other by differingamounts.

As shown in FIG. 32, a chamber 3200 may include multiple stitch lines.Similar to other embodiments discussed above, chamber 3200 may include afirst chamber barrier layer 3205 and a second chamber barrier layer3210. In addition, chamber 3200 may also include a tensile member 3215,which may include a first tensile member layer 3220, a second tensilemember layer 3225, and a plurality of tethers 3230.

Chamber 3200 may include a first stitched region 3235, a second stitchedregion 3240, and a third stitched region 3245. In unstitched regions oftensile member 3215, when chamber 3200 is pressurized with a pressurizedfluid, a substantial majority of first tensile member layer 3220 isseparated from second tensile member layer 3225 by a distance thatcorresponds to a length of tethers 3230. As shown in FIG. 32, firststitched region 3235 features stitching having a first length 3250.Under pressurization, first tensile member layer 3220 is held againstsecond tensile member layer 3225 by the stitching in first stitchedregion 3235.

As shown in FIG. 32, second stitched region 3240 may feature stitchinghaving a second length 3255, which is longer than first length 3250.Accordingly, upon pressurization of chamber 3200, first tensile memberlayer 3220 may be held a first distance 3265 away from second tensilemember layer 3225. Further, third stitched region may feature stitchinghaving a third length 3260, which is longer than second length 3255.Accordingly, upon pressurization of chamber 3200, first tensile memberlayer 3220 may be held a second distance 3270 away from second tensilemember layer 3225. In some embodiments, second distance 3270 may begreater than first distance 3265.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, these different length stitches providedifferent amounts of reduction in the thickness of chamber 3200, whichprovides different amounts of flexibility. First stitched region 3235provides the largest reduction in chamber thickness, and thus, providesthe greatest flexibility, as indicated by an angle 3290. Second stitchedregion 3240 provides the next largest reduction in chamber thickness,and thus, provides a slightly less amount of flexibility, as indicatedby an angle 3291, which is less acute than angle 3290. Similarly, thirdstitched region 3245 provides the least reduction in chamber thickness,and thus, provides the least flexibility, which is indicated by an angle3292, which is less acute than angle 3291.

As further shown in FIG. 32, varying chamber flexibility may be disposedat locations of the sole structure that correspond with predeterminedportions of a wearer's foot 3205. In some cases, stitched lines mayprovide hinges in chambers that correspond generally with portions ofthe wearer's foot that bend, such as the forefoot. In some embodiments,stitched lines may provide hinges that are configured to besubstantially aligned with articulating joints of the wearer's foot. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 32, first stitched region 3235 may beconfigured to be aligned with a joint between a first bone 3275 (e.g., afirst metatarsal) and a second bone 3280 (e.g., a first phalanx) of thewearer's foot. In contrast, a joint between second bone 3280 and a thirdbone 3285 (e.g., hallux) may be located proximate to, but generallybetween second stitched region 3240 and third stitched region 3245.

FIG. 32 illustrates the correlation between the amount of articulationof the joints of foot 3205 and the amount of flexibility provided incorresponding portions of chamber 3200. For example, first bone 3275 mayhave a first longitudinal axis 3276, second bone 3280 may have a secondlongitudinal axis 3281, and third bone 3285 may have a thirdlongitudinal axis 3286. As shown in FIG. 32, a fourth angle 3293 betweenfirst longitudinal axis 3276 and second longitudinal axis 3281 may begreater than a fifth angle 3294 between second longitudinal axis 3281and third longitudinal axis 3286.

Varying the distance at which opposing layers of the tensile member areheld with respect to one another may also be implemented to provide thechamber with contours. For example, anatomical contours may provideimprovements in fit, comfort, support, performance, and othercharacteristics of a sole structure.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a chamber including a contoured heelregion. As shown in FIG. 33, a chamber 3300 may include a depression3305 in a central portion of the heel region. Depression 3305 may be ananatomical contour configured to receive a portion of the foot of awearer, such as the heel. In some embodiments, the central depressionmay be formed by utilizing stitching of shorter lengths near a centralportion 3310 of depression 3305, and using longer stitching further fromcentral portion 3310. In some embodiments, substantially concentric orspiral stitching 3315 may be utilized to form depression 3305.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of chamber 3300 taken at section line34-34 in FIG. 33, through a heel region of chamber 3300. In addition,chamber 3300 is shown, in FIG. 34, as being disposed within a recess3330 in a midsole 3320, above an outer member 3325. As shown in FIG. 34,chamber 3300 may include a first chamber barrier layer 3335, a secondchamber barrier layer 3340, and a tensile member 3345 extending between,and bonded to, first chamber barrier layer 3335 and second chamberbarrier layer 3340.

As shown in FIG. 34, chamber 3300 may include a stitched regionincluding stitching 3315. In central portion 3310 of depression 3310,stitching 3315 may include relatively short stitches 3360. In aperipheral portion of depression 3310, stitching 3315 may includerelatively longer stitches 3355. As illustrated in FIG. 34, longerstitches 3355 allow first chamber barrier layer 3335 to expand furtheraway from second chamber barrier layer 3340, than short stitches 3360.Stitching 3315 may be tapered and/or curved to form an anatomicaldepression configured to receive the heel of a wearer. Other anatomicalcontours may be provided in a similar manner. For example, archsupports, or other contoured features may be provided in chamber 3300.

In some embodiments, transparent windows may be utilized in the solestructure, in order to allow viewing of stitching designs in a chamberdisposed in the midsole. FIG. 35 is a bottom perspective view of anarticle of footwear including a transparent window. As shown in FIG. 35,an article of footwear 3500 may include a sole structure 3505 and anupper 3510 secured to the sole structure. As further shown in FIG. 35,sole structure 3505 may include a midsole 3515 and an outer member 3520.In some embodiments, sole structure 3505 may include an opening 3521through which stitching 3530 of a stitched region of a chamber may bevisible. In some embodiments, a substantially transparent window 3525may be disposed in opening 3521. In order to facilitate viewing of thestitching, the exposed chamber barrier layer may be formed of asubstantially transparent material through which the stitching may beviewed within opening 3521 and, in some embodiments, throughsubstantially transparent window 3525.

Stitching 3530 may have any suitable configuration. In addition to thestructural characteristics of the various stitching embodimentsdiscussed above, stitching 3530 may also have various aestheticproperties. For example, in some embodiments stitching 3530 may includealphanumeric characters 3535. Alternatively, or additionally, stitching3530 may include graphic designs 3540. Exemplary stitching designs mayinclude logos, branding, customized graphics and lettering, or any othersuitable designs.

In some embodiments, chambers having configurations discussed above maybe implemented in other products (i.e., besides footwear). For example,such chambers may be utilized as padding in garments. For example, FIG.36 illustrates a garment 3600 including padding 3610. As shown in FIG.36, garment 3600 may be a pair of pants or shorts. As also shown in FIG.36, padding 3610 may be disposed on a lateral portion of garment 3600,for example, to provide protection during sporting activities.

As further shown in FIG. 36, padding 3610 may include an inner layer offabric 3615 and an outer layer of fabric 3620 forming a pouch configuredto receive a padding element. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG.36, a chamber 3625 may be provided within the pouch. Chamber 3625 mayhave a stitched region forming a hinged portion 3630 according to any ofthe embodiments discussed above. With the stitched region 3630, chamber3625 may be configured to articulate about hinged portion 3630 tothereby form an anatomical shape configured to conform to an anatomicalcontour of the body of a wearer of the garment.

The disclosed chambers may also be applicable for use in other types ofequipment. In one example, a shoulder strap of a bag, such as abackpack, may include a fluid-filled chamber according to disclosedembodiments. FIG. 37 illustrates a bag 3700 having a shoulder strap3705. As illustrated in FIG. 37, shoulder strap 3705 may include a firstlayer of material 3710 and a second layer of material 3715 defining aninner pocket configured to receive a cushioning element. As shown inFIG. 37, shoulder strap 3705 may include a chamber 3720 having astitched region providing a reduced thickness in chamber 3720, thusforming a hinged portion 3725. Chamber 3720 may be configured toarticulate about hinged portion 3725 forming an anatomical shapeconfigured to conform to an anatomical contour of the body of a carrierof bag 3700.

The disclosed chambers may also be applicable for use in other types ofathletic equipment. For example, as shown in FIG. 38, a glove 3800, suchas a baseball glove or softball glove, may include a finger region 3805and a palm region 3810. In some embodiments, glove 3800 may include achamber 3815, including one or more stitched regions 3820, which mayprovide a reduced thickness in chamber 3815. The pressurized chamber mayprovide padding for the glove. In addition, the stitched, hinge-likeregions may provide an anatomical curvature and flexion, for example,while closing the hand while catching a ball.

In another embodiment, protective chest pad 3900, such as may be worn bya catcher in baseball or softball, or a goalie in other sports, mayinclude a chamber 3905. Chamber 3905 may include stitching 3910according to embodiments disclosed above. Stitching 3910 may provideflexibility to chest pad 3900 to allow the pad to be fitted to thecontours of the wearer's body, and to flex as the body moves, forexample, when a catcher squats down and stands up.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, thedescription is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and itwill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof the invention. Although many possible combinations of features areshown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detaileddescription, many other combinations of the disclosed features arepossible. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the featuresshown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implementedtogether in any suitable combination and that features of one embodimentmay be implemented in other disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, theinvention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claimsand their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may bemade within the scope of the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid,comprising: a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrierlayer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheralportions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer; a tensile memberextending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer, the tensile member including a first tensile member layerbonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layerbonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethersextending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer; and stitching through the tensile member in a stitchedregion; wherein, when the chamber is pressurized with the pressurizedfluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer isseparated from the second tensile member layer by a distance thatcorresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers; and wherein thefirst tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensilemember layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming anarea of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacentportions of the chamber.
 2. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the stitchedregion has an elongate arrangement, and wherein the stitched region isdiscontinuous, including at least two separate portions.
 3. The chamberof claim 1, wherein the stitched region includes a first line ofstitching, a second line of stitching substantially parallel to thefirst line of stitching, and a third line of stitching substantiallyparallel to the first line of stitching and the second line ofstitching; wherein the second line of stitching is spaced from the firstline of stitching by a first distance; wherein the third line ofstitching is spaced from the second line of stitching by a seconddistance; and wherein the first distance is different than the seconddistance.
 4. The chamber of claim 3, wherein a first region of thechamber including the first line of stitching and the second line ofstitching has a first degree of flexibility and a second region of thechamber including the second line of stitching and the third line ofstitching has a second degree of flexibility that is different than thefirst degree of flexibility.
 5. The chamber of claim 1, wherein thestitched region includes a plurality of elongate portions radiating indifferent directions from a central point.
 6. The chamber of claim 1,wherein the stitched region includes a plurality of curved portionsintersecting at a common intersection point; and wherein the pluralityof curved portions are all curved about center points disposed on acommon line, the plurality of curved portions each having a differentradius of curvature.
 7. The chamber of claim 1, wherein the firstchamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer are eachformed of multiple layers of material including a first center layer, asecond layer, and a third layer, wherein the first layer is disposedbetween the second layer and the third layer, and wherein the firstlayer is joined to both the second layer and the third layer; whereinthe first layer is formed of a first material, the second layer isformed of a second material, and the third layer is also formed of thesecond material, wherein the second material is different from the firstmaterial; and wherein the first material includes an ethylene-vinylcopolymer, and wherein the second material includes a thermoplasticpolymer.
 8. The chamber of claim 7, wherein the thermoplastic polymer isthermoplastic polyurethane.
 9. The chamber of claim 7, wherein the firstchamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer are eachfurther formed of a fourth layer and a fifth layer; wherein the secondlayer is disposed between the fourth layer and the first layer andwherein the second layer is joined to the fourth layer; wherein thethird layer is disposed between the fifth layer and the first layer andwherein the third layer is joined to the fifth layer; and wherein thefourth layer is formed of a third material and the fifth layer is alsoformed of the third material, wherein the third material is differentthan the second material, and the third material is also different thanthe first material.
 10. The chamber of claim 9, wherein the fourth layeris formed of a material that includes a regrind of thermoplasticpolyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer, and wherein the fifth layeris also formed of a material that includes a regrind of thermoplasticpolyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer.
 11. An article of footwearhaving an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the solestructure including the chamber recited in claim
 1. 12. The article offootwear of claim 11, wherein the sole structure includes an outermember having at least one flex groove; wherein the stitched region ofthe chamber is aligned with the flex groove of the outer member.
 13. Thearticle of footwear of claim 12, wherein the at least one flex grooveand the stitched region extend in a substantially lateral direction. 14.The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the flex groove and thestitched region are disposed in a forefoot region of the article offootwear, in a location that corresponds with a ball of a foot of awearer of the article of footwear.
 15. The article of footwear of claim11, wherein the outer member of the sole structure includes a pluralityof flex grooves and the chamber includes a plurality of stitched regionsaligned with the flex grooves; wherein the flex grooves are arranged ina first grid; wherein the stitched regions are arranged in a secondgrid; and wherein the first grid is aligned with the second grid. 16.The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the stitched regionincludes a plurality of concentric stitched portions that areconcentrically arranged about a center point, the stitched regionfurther including a plurality of radial stitched portions extendingradially from the center point, the concentric stitched portionsintersecting with the radial stitched portions in a non-overlappingarrangement.
 17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the centerpoint is disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear. 18.The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the stitched region iselongate and extends around a periphery of the chamber, the stitchedregion being substantially evenly spaced from an edge of the chamber ina heel region of the chamber.
 19. The article of footwear of claim 11,wherein stitched region includes a first curved portion disposedproximate a medial edge of the chamber, and further including a secondcurved portion disposed proximate a lateral edge of the chamber.
 20. Thearticle of footwear of claim 11, wherein the stitched region includes aplurality of substantially parallel stitched portions extending insubstantially lateral directions across the chamber.
 21. The article offootwear of claim 20, wherein the plurality of substantially parallelstitched portions are substantially evenly spaced from one another. 22.The article of footwear of claim 11, wherein the first chamber barrierlayer is formed of a substantially transparent material; and wherein thesole structure includes an opening through which the stitching of thestitched region is visible through the first chamber barrier layer. 23.The article of footwear of claim 22, further including a substantiallytransparent window disposed in the opening.
 24. A garment including thechamber of claim 1, wherein the area of the chamber having a reducedthickness forms a hinged portion of the chamber; and wherein the chamberis configured to articulate about the hinged portion to thereby form ananatomical shape configured to conform to an anatomical contour of thebody of a wearer of the garment.
 25. The garment of claim 24, whereinthe garment is a pair of pants or shorts; and wherein the chamber isdisposed in a lateral portion of the garment.
 26. A bag including thechamber of claim 1, wherein the area of the chamber having a reducedthickness forms a hinged portion of the chamber; and wherein the chamberis configured to articulate about the hinged portion forming ananatomical shape configured to conform to an anatomical contour of thebody of a carrier of the bag.
 27. The bag of claim 26, wherein thechamber is disposed in a shoulder strap of the bag.
 28. An article ofathletic equipment including the chamber of claim 1, wherein the area ofthe chamber having a reduced thickness forms a hinged portion of thechamber; and wherein the chamber is configured to articulate about thehinged portion forming an anatomical shape configured to conform to ananatomical contour of the body of a wearer of the article of athleticequipment.
 29. The article of athletic equipment of claim 28, whereinthe article of athletic equipment is a glove; and wherein the chamber isdisposed in at least one of a palm region of the glove and a fingerregion of the glove.
 30. The article of athletic equipment of claim 28,wherein the article is a protective chest pad configured to be worn onthe chest of a wearer.
 31. A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid,comprising: a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrierlayer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer about peripheralportions of the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer to define an interior void between the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer; a tensile memberextending between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer, the tensile member including a first tensile member layerbonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layerbonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethersextending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensilemember layer; and stitching through the tensile member in a stitchedregion; wherein, when the chamber is pressurized with the pressurizedfluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer isseparated from the second tensile member layer by a distance thatcorresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers; wherein the firsttensile member layer is held at a second distance from the secondtensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, therebyforming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative toadjacent portions of the chamber; and wherein the stitched regionincludes at least two elongate lines of stitching, including a firstline of stitching and a second line of stitching arranged parallel andadjacent to the first line of stitching.
 32. The chamber of claim 31,wherein the chamber is disposed in a sole structure of an article offootwear; and wherein the stitched region extends in a substantiallylateral direction across the chamber in a forefoot region of the articleof footwear.
 33. The chamber of claim 31, wherein the stitched regionincludes a third line of stitching, at least a portion of the third lineof stitching being spaced from the first line of stitching and thesecond line of stitching.
 34. The chamber of claim 31, wherein the firstchamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer are eachformed of multiple layers of material including a first center layer, asecond layer, and a third layer, wherein the first layer is disposedbetween the second layer and the third layer, and wherein the firstlayer is joined to both the second layer and the third layer; whereinthe first layer is formed of a first material, the second layer isformed of a second material, and the third layer is also formed of thesecond material, wherein the second material is different from the firstmaterial; and wherein the first material includes an ethylene-vinylcopolymer, and wherein the second material includes a thermoplasticpolymer.
 35. The chamber of claim 34, wherein the thermoplastic polymeris thermoplastic polyurethane.
 36. The chamber of claim 34, wherein thefirst chamber barrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer areeach further formed of a fourth layer and a fifth layer; wherein thesecond layer is disposed between the fourth layer and the first layerand wherein the second layer is joined to the fourth layer; wherein thethird layer is disposed between the fifth layer and the first layer andwherein the third layer is joined to the fifth layer; and wherein thefourth layer is formed of a third material and the fifth layer is alsoformed of the third material, wherein the third material is differentthan the second material, and the third material is also different thanthe first material.
 37. The chamber of claim 36, wherein the fourthlayer is formed of a material that includes a regrind of thermoplasticpolyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer, and wherein the fifth layeris also formed of a material that includes a regrind of thermoplasticpolyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer.
 38. An article of footwearhaving an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the solestructure including the chamber recited in claim
 31. 39. The article offootwear of claim 38, wherein the sole structure includes an outermember having at least one flex groove; wherein the stitched region ofthe chamber is aligned with the flex groove of the outer member.
 40. Achamber for receiving a pressurized fluid, comprising: a first chamberbarrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer bonded to the firstchamber barrier layer about peripheral portions of the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer to define an interiorvoid between the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer; a tensile member extending between the first chamberbarrier layer and the second chamber barrier layer, the tensile memberincluding a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamberbarrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the secondchamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers extending between thefirst tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer; firststitching through the tensile member in a first stitched region; andsecond stitching through the tensile member in a second stitched region;wherein, when the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, asubstantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated fromthe second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to alength of the plurality of tethers; wherein the first tensile memberlayer is held a first distance from the second tensile member layer bythe first stitching in the first stitched region, thereby forming afirst area of the chamber having a first reduced thickness relative toadjacent portions of the chamber; wherein the first tensile member layeris held a second distance from the second tensile member layer by thesecond stitching in the second stitched region, thereby forming a secondarea of the chamber having a second reduced thickness relative toadjacent portions of the chamber; and wherein the second distance isgreater than the first distance.
 41. The chamber of claim 40, whereinthe first stitching includes a first line of stitching and the secondstitching includes a second line of stitching; and wherein a firstregion of the chamber including the first line of stitching has a firstdegree of flexibility and a second region of the chamber including thesecond line of stitching has a second degree of flexibility that isdifferent than the first degree of flexibility.
 42. The chamber of claim40, wherein the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer are each formed of multiple layers of material including afirst center layer, a second layer, and a third layer, wherein the firstlayer is disposed between the second layer and the third layer, andwherein the first layer is joined to both the second layer and the thirdlayer; wherein the first layer is formed of a first material, the secondlayer is formed of a second material, and the third layer is also formedof the second material, wherein the second material is different fromthe first material; and wherein the first material includes anethylene-vinyl copolymer, and wherein the second material includes athermoplastic polymer.
 43. The chamber of claim 42, wherein thethermoplastic polymer is thermoplastic polyurethane.
 44. The chamber ofclaim 42, wherein the first chamber barrier layer and the second chamberbarrier layer are each further formed of a fourth layer and a fifthlayer; wherein the second layer is disposed between the fourth layer andthe first layer and wherein the second layer is joined to the fourthlayer; wherein the third layer is disposed between the fifth layer andthe first layer and wherein the third layer is joined to the fifthlayer; and wherein the fourth layer is formed of a third material andthe fifth layer is also formed of the third material, wherein the thirdmaterial is different than the second material, and the third materialis also different than the first material.
 45. The chamber of claim 44,wherein the fourth layer is formed of a material that includes a regrindof thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer, and whereinthe fifth layer is also formed of a material that includes a regrind ofthermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl copolymer.
 46. An articleof footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper,the sole structure including the chamber recited in claim
 40. 47. Thearticle of footwear of claim 46, wherein the chamber includes ananatomical contour formed, at least in part, by the stitching, theanatomical contour being configured to receive a portion of a foot of awearer.
 48. The article of footwear of claim 47, wherein the anatomicalcontour includes a depression in a heel region of the chamber.
 49. Thearticle of footwear of claim 48, wherein the stitching includes aplurality of stitches arranged substantially concentrically about acenter portion of the depression.
 50. A method of forming a chamber forreceiving a pressurized fluid, comprising; providing a plurality ofchamber components, including a first chamber barrier layer, a secondchamber barrier layer, and a tensile member, the tensile member having afirst tensile member layer, a second tensile member layer, and aplurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member and thesecond tensile member layer; stitching through a portion of the tensilemember, thereby drawing the first tensile member layer into contact withthe second tensile member layer in a stitched area; arranging theplurality of chamber components in a stacked arrangement; whereinarranging the chamber components in a stacked arrangement involveslocating the tensile member between the first chamber barrier layer andthe second chamber barrier layer; joining the chamber components to oneanother by applying pressure to the stacked arrangement of chambercomponents; and inflating the chamber with a pressurized fluid, thepressurized fluid expanding unstitched areas of the tensile member,applying tension to the plurality of tethers; wherein, in stitched areasof the tensile member, contact is maintained between the first tensilemember layer and the second tensile member layer.
 51. The method ofclaim 50, further including bonding a first layer of thermoplasticmaterial to the first tensile member layer and bonding a second layer ofthermoplastic material to the second tensile member layer; whereinjoining the chamber components to one another includes heating thestacked arrangement of chamber components to activate the first layer ofthermoplastic material to adhesively bond the first chamber barrierlayer to the first tensile member layer and activate the second layer ofthermoplastic material to adhesively bond the second chamber barrierlayer to the second tensile member layer.
 52. The method of claim 51,wherein the first layer of thermoplastic material is bonded to the firsttensile member layer and the second layer of thermoplastic material isbonded to the second tensile member layer before stitching through thetensile member.
 53. The method of claim 51, wherein the first layer ofthermoplastic material is bonded to the first tensile member layer andthe second layer of thermoplastic material is bonded to the secondtensile member layer after stitching through the tensile member.
 54. Themethod of claim 50, further including incorporating the chamber into asole structure of an article of footwear.
 55. The method of claim 54,wherein stitching through a portion of the tensile member includesforming an elongate stitched region; wherein the sole structure of thearticle of footwear includes at least one flex groove; and whereinincorporating the chamber into the sole structure includes aligning theelongate stitched region with the at least one flex groove.
 56. Themethod of claim 50, wherein stitching through a portion of the tensilemember includes forming a stitched region by stitching a first line ofstitching and a second line of stitching parallel and adjacent to thefirst line of stitching.
 57. The method of claim 50, wherein stitchingthrough a portion of the tensile member includes stitching through thetensile member in a first stitched region; the method further includingstitching through the tensile member in a second stitched region;wherein pressurizing the chamber with the pressurized fluid expands thefirst tensile member such that a substantial majority of the firsttensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layerby a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers;wherein the a first area of the chamber corresponding with the firststitched region has a first reduced thickness relative to adjacentportions of the chamber; wherein the first tensile member layer is helda distance from the second tensile member layer by stitching in thesecond stitched region, thereby forming a second area of the chamberhaving a second reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of thechamber.